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King Richard in Robin Hood's Chairs!
Regular readers of my blog will be aware of our ongoing investigation into Robin Hood’s Chairs. Carmen Dillon and her art department designed these chairs for Walt Disney’s live-action movie The Story of Robin Hood in 1952. Since the release of that wonderful film, they have appeared in numerous media productions related to the Robin Hood legend. And now, King Richard I has been seen using them!
Richard the Lionheart was a British ITV series that ran for a year from 1962-1963. It starred Dermot Walsh, Trader Faulkner, Robin Hunter and Iain Gregory. I remember it well, and just recently, Talking Pictures TV have been showing the series at 9:30 am on a Saturday. So, after sixty-three years, I sat down to watch it, and during the third episode, The Robbers of Ashdown Forest, I spotted that chair.
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| The chair in Richard the Lionheart |
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| From the episode School For A King |
So now, here is the updated list of media that used those Robin Hood chairs as props:
The Story of Robin Hood and his Merrie Men (1952)
The Men of Sherwood Forest (Film, 1954)
The Black Knight (Film, 1954)
The Adventures of Robin Hood (TV, 1955–1958)
The Dark Avenger (Film, 1955)
Ivanhoe (TV, 1958) – Episode: The Night Raiders (featuring Joan Rice, who would have remembered these chairs from her time filming at Denham Studios)
Sword of Sherwood Forest (Film, 1960)
Richard the Lionheart (TV, 1962-1963)
Robin of Sherwood (TV, 1984–1986)
The Mission – Stay With Me (Official Music Video, 1986)
Horrible Histories (TV, 2013–2015)
So, once again, the chair appears during Richard I's reign!
If you have seen them in other productions or know of thereabouts, please get in touch.
Don't forget to visit my Disney's Story of Robin Hood and his Merrie Men Facebook page.
Robin Hood's Chairs
Several readers have contacted my blog about the so-called "Robin Hood Chairs," and John Nelson has shared another image of their use in Robin of Sherwood (1984–1986).
Back in 2011, while watching a rerun of The Adventures of Robin Hood (1955–1958) starring Richard Greene, I recognised those distinctive chairs—originally designed by Carmen Dillon for Disney’s The Story of Robin Hood (1952). Later, I spotted one again in Robin of Sherwood (1984–1986), where the Sheriff (Nickolas Grace) was seated in it!
After writing about this discovery, my readers pointed out that the same chairs had appeared in several other medieval adventure films. Among them was Men of Sherwood (1954), which also reused props and costumes from Disney’s film.
After The Story of Robin Hood wrapped, it's likely that these "Robin Hood Chairs," along with thousands of other props, were shipped out of Denham Studios when Rank Organisation ceased film production. From there, they were probably rented out for various film and television projects.
With the help of my readers, I’ve started compiling a list of productions that featured props from Disney’s The Story of Robin Hood (1952)—some as many as 64 years later:
The Men of Sherwood Forest (Film, 1954)
The Black Knight (Film, 1954)
The Adventures of Robin Hood (TV, 1955–1958)
The Dark Avenger (Film, 1955)
Ivanhoe (TV, 1958) – Episode: The Night Raiders (featuring Joan Rice, who would have remembered these chairs from her time filming at Denham Studios)
Sword of Sherwood Forest (Film, 1960)
Robin of Sherwood (TV, 1984–1986)
The Mission – Stay With Me (Official Music Video, 1986)
Horrible Histories (TV, 2013–2015)
I would love to know where they are now!
If you know of any additional appearances, feel free to get in touch!
Robin Hood's Script
Regular readers of my blog may recall that in 2017 I had the incredible opportunity to view portions of the original script for Walt Disney's live-action film The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men (1952). Cindy from Canada generously shared these script pages with me, whose father-in-law, Noland Blackburn, worked for Walt Disney during the 1950s and owned the documents.
This rare insight into the original script highlighted changes made to scenes and adjustments to the dialogue.
Below is a transcript of the opening scene:
***********************************************************************
ROBIN HOOD
FROM CREDIT TITLES DISSOLVE TO:
The tooled-leather, copper-bound cover of a Twelfth Century MANUSCRIPT BOOK opens to a parchment page, upon which is lettered:
In the Year 1190 Richard the Lion Heart
Summoned his armies to a crusade.
Among the Loyal Knights who answered
his call was the Earl of Huntingdon
The page turns, disclosing a monotone pen-sketch VIEW with the caption:
'The Earl of Huntingdon --his Manor House.'
As CAMERA moves toward sketch it DISSOLVES INTO:
1. EXT. HUNTINGDON MANOR-LONG SHOT (MATTE)
The estate is surrounded by meadows and wooded hills. The courtyard shows the activity of horses and grooms.
2. EXT. MANOR COURTYARD - FULL SHOT
Preparations for the Earl's departure are everywhere in evidence. Manor-servants are loading two great wains, with iron-bound, crimson trunks and wicker hampers. Immobile in the background are saddled horses that will carry the Earl's escort, while in front of the manor hall steps, Pages are leading the Earl's black charger and a little palfrey, saddled for a lady's use. On the upper steps waits a dignified old steward, with a Page who is holding a gold-mounted drinking horn in a napkin; below is the Earl's Squire.
Through the manor-hall doorway strides the Earl in riding dress.
3. EXT. MANOR COURTYARD - MED. SHOT - EARL
He addresses the Squire.
EARL
Everything in readiness, Stephen?
Stephen inclines his head respectfully. The Steward steps forward, taking the drinking horn from the hands of the Page.
STEWARD
A stirrup cup to your departure, Sir?"
*******************************************************************
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| The Original Script |
This never quite appeared in the film. But in the opening scene, the Page can be seen standing on the steps holding the drinking horn, as Nurse Tyb rushes around the courtyard calling for Maid Marian.
I will share a few more pages soon.
The Story of Joan Rice
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| Joan at the premiere of Robin Hood |
This site is dedicated to the memory of Joan Rice (1930–1997), who will always be cherished by readers of my blog and Facebook page as our Maid Marian. Joan would have turned 95 this year.
Joan holds a special place in my heart. As a family historian and genealogist, I’ve been captivated by the life of this largely forgotten British film star—a life that feels like a fairy tale. Over the 19 years I’ve been writing my blog, I’ve been fortunate to receive help from her family, friends, and acquaintances to piece together her story. I hope one day to write a book about her. For now, this brief account looks back at the early years of her life.
Dorothy Joan Rice was born on February 3, 1930, at City Hospital in Derby, England. She was the first of three daughters born to Hylda May Rice (née Watson) and Harold Rice, a laborer. Her sisters were Roma (1931), Barbara (1935), and Gillian (1938).
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| Nazareth House, Lenton, Nottinghamshire |
In 1936, the family was living on Hawthorne Avenue in Stapleford, Nottinghamshire. That year, Harold Rice became the subject of scandal when he was convicted of indecently assaulting his 7-year-old daughter. The case made headlines in local newspapers. Joan, along with her three sisters, was sent to a convent orphanage in Nottingham called Nazareth House. It was here that Joan had her first exposure to acting, as the nuns staged several plays each year.
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| The 1939 Register showing Joan Rice |
By 1939, Joan was living with the Watson family in Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire. George Watson, a brewery laborer, was likely a relative. Joan, listed as Dorothy J. Rice, was attending school at the time.
In 1946, at age 16, Joan worked as a housemaid for Dr. Vosper in Stanmore, Middlesex. She also took part-time work as a barmaid at The Green Man and The Crown. Derrick Pawley, a former Stanmore resident, recalled Joan borrowing clothes and bus fare, often struggling financially.
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| Lyons Tea House in the Strand |
Joan’s journey to stardom began when she moved to London with just half a crown in her pocket and took a job as a waitress at the Lyons Corner House on the Strand for £3 a week. Her natural poise, developed from balancing trays, led her to enter Lyons' in-house beauty contest, Miss Lyons, in 1949. She won the contest, impressing judges like John McCallum and Ann Crawford, as well as Isidore Gluckstein, the company president.
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| Joan Rice in a swimsuit suit |
As the winner, Joan went on a promotional tour to Torquay, which would later have personal significance when she returned for a stage performance 20 years later. Her victory in the competition brought her to the attention of theatrical agent Joan Reese.
By 1950, Joan joined "The Company of Youth," a training school for actors, where she honed her skills alongside future stars like Christopher Lee and Joan Collins. After a screen test, Joan secured a two-line part in the comedy One Wild Oat and her first substantial role in Blackmailed (1950). Following Blackmailed's London premiere in January 1951, Joan signed a two-year contract with Rank Studios, which raised her salary to £20 a week and provided her with a flat in Westminster.
Just days after Blackmailed's release, Disney producer Perce Pearce announced that Richard Todd would play Robin Hood in the studio’s upcoming live-action adaptation. Joan was quickly cast as Maid Marian after Disney saw some of her rushes and praised her acting ability.
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| Richard Todd and Joan Rice |
In a major turning point for her career, on her 21st birthday, Richard Todd was photographed presenting Joan with orchids at the Dorchester Hotel, marking the official announcement of her role in The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men (1952). Joan had become a rising star, with Walt Disney himself declaring, “Joan has quality... The camera loves her.”
Though Joan's role as Maid Marian cemented her status as a rising star, Rank Studios struggled to capitalise on her newfound fame. Despite being hailed as the "new Jean Simmons," Joan was often relegated to supporting roles in films with large ensemble casts. Yet, in just a few short years, she had transformed from a girl with barely any money to a promising young actress playing opposite Richard Todd in a major Disney production.
It’s hard to imagine that this was the same young woman who had arrived in London with only a half-crown in her purse just a few years earlier.
Studio Christmas Card
I know it’s late, but I wanted to share this wonderful 1951 Christmas card created by the Walt Disney Studios. I posted it recently on my Disney’s Story of Robin Hood Facebook page, and it’s a perfect example of how Disney blended holiday cheer with movie promotion. The card features some of my favourite Disney films from that era. The cover shows Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and his nephews carolling in front of the Little House. When you open it up, you’re treated to a scene with classic Disney characters riding a train, with the upcoming year's calendar displayed on the train cars. On the back, there's an ad for the upcoming Disney films Peter Pan (the animated feature) and The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men (the live-action film).
Each year, Disney Studios created a new holiday card designed by in-house talent. The card showcased the beloved characters of the moment and promoted upcoming projects.
When you unfold this card, you see Robin Hood and Peter Pan represented. The Story of Robin Hood, starring Richard Todd, was released in the USA in June 1952, while Peter Pan didn’t reach theatres until February 1953.
The artwork on this card was painted by the talented Eyvind Earle, known for his distinctive style that adds a unique touch to this holiday greeting.
Where Robin Hood Stood
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| Wentbridge, Barnsdale, Yorkshire |
A Gest of Robyn Hode" (or The Geste) is one of the oldest surviving tales of Robin Hood, originating in the 15th century. It frequently highlights Barnsdale as the central hub of Robin's activities, portraying it as the base for his band of outlaws. Located in South Yorkshire, Barnsdale is near the historic Great North Road, a major medieval route connecting London and York. This road, frequented by merchants, nobles, and clergy, made Barnsdale an ideal location for intercepting travelers and merchants.
The narrative begins in Robin Hood's camp in Barnsdale. True to his chivalric nature, Robin refuses to dine until he has a guest to share the meal. To find a guest, he sends Little John, Much the Miller's son, and Will Scathlock to a place called "the Sayles" on "Watling Street." The Sayles likely refers to a clearing or open space—strategically positioned for observing travelers. In this context, "Watling Street" was a name used for the section of the road that later became known as the Great North Road.
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| The road descends to Wentbridge |
The ballad provides specific details about the area. Historically, the Great North Road descended into Barnsdale to cross the River Went at Wentbridge. Today, the A1 bypasses Wentbridge about half a mile to the east, where the modern viaduct now stands. It was near this location that Robin Hood's men lay in wait for the knight featured in the ballad.
The accompanying images illustrate the exact spot where the outlaws would have positioned themselves. Beyond the white building, the road winds down into Wentbridge from the opposite side of the valley, offering an excellent vantage point for watching and intercepting travellers.
Merrie Christmas
Merrie Christmas to all the readers of my blog and Facebook group! Thank you for your unwavering support throughout the year. I look forward to another year of exploring the dappled ancient paths of Sherwood together
Robin Hood's Family Tree
From an early age, my fascination with history and a deep love for the legend of Robin Hood naturally led me to embark on a quest to uncover the true story behind the legendary outlaw. Over fifty years later, this pursuit has shaped my career and culminated in a successful genealogical business.
The origins of Robin Hood have sparked centuries of debate. Historians and antiquarians have long struggled to find concrete evidence of his existence, with many theories evolving without definitive proof.
One such theory was the pedigree published by William Stukeley (1687–1765). It linked the earls of Huntingdon with the descendants of a man called Ralph Fitz Ooth, who he claimed became lords of Kyme.
When I first encountered this family tree in the 1970s, I was thrilled by the possibility. There he was, Robin Fitzooth, alias Robin Hood! However, this pedigree, first presented in Stukeley's Paleographica Britannica in 1746, has since been thoroughly debunked by scholars like Professor J. C. Holt. They have argued that Stukeley’s claims were not only fabricated but that Stukeley himself, known for his eccentricities and romanticism, may have been more interested in myth-making than historical accuracy.
Although scholars have debunked it, the idea that Robin Hood was once an Earl of Huntingdon became firmly embedded in his legend. Centuries later, this version of the tale was embraced by Walt Disney, who depicted Robin as Robin FitzOoth in his 1952 live-action film The Story of Robin Hood.
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